WASHINGTON�AM stations that want to use MDCL can do so without FCC authority as of March 3 � as long as they notify the commission afterwards.
That�s one upshot of the recent AM revitalization order.
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Washington-based communications law firm Fletcher Heald & Hildreth has been keeping an eye on some of the administrative details and�reports on its blog that the federal Office of Management and Budget now has given its approval to a section of the rules and to Form 338, the AM Station Modulation-Dependent Carrier Level Notification Form.
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[Read �MDCL Operation Is a Winner for High-Power AM,�April 2012]
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Modulation-dependent carrier level control technology has been OK to use in the market for five years, and can bring savings in electrical power costs; but you had to have approval first. Fletcher Heald says the FCC has given 33 permanent waivers and 20 experimental authorizations since 2011.
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The firm advises broadcasters that as of March 3, AM stations wishing to use them can do so but don�t forget to notify the FCC on Form 338 within 10 days after beginning MDCL operation.
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Fletcher Heald blog:
Update: Last Piece of AM Revitalization Puzzle Now in Place
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